SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Ivy Tech Community College announced its plans to expand its partnership with Bellevue University at an official grand opening Wednesday. 

Bellevue is a private accredited university based in Nebraska. The non-profit college will offer undergraduate, master and Ph.D. programs to Ivy Tech students under this expanded partnership.

Its goal is to allow students to transfer all of their credits toward an accelerated, online Bachelor's degree at Bellevue. An accelerated cohort program could be completed within 18 months. 

Bellevue relationship manager Dr. Abeni El-Amin spoke at Wednesday's ceremony. She will be responsible for the day-to-day operations for enrollment and admission process at Ivy Tech's South Bend, Elkhart and Warsaw campuses.

"We don't just invest in our staff, but we invest in our communities that we serve," Dr. El-Amin said of Bellevue University.

Ivy Tech Chancellor Dr. Thomas Coley, South Bend Common Councilwoman Karen White and South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeff Rea were also on hand to give remarks.

ABC 57 Morning Anchor Emily Evans emceed the ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony.

For more information on this new partnership and Ivy Tech's transfer opportunities click here.